Small Bowel Diverticulosis Causing Pneumoperitoneum without Peritonitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Small bowel diverticulosis is a rare finding, with varied clinical presentations, which make the diagnosis difficult and delayed. Many cases are asymptomatic. However, it is an entity that can present with fatal complications. Here, we present a case of a 79-year-old male patient with diffuse small bowel diverticulosis, who presented with loose stools and acute exacerbation of chronic abdominal pain. Plain abdominal X-ray showed dilated bowel loops and pneumoperitoneum, which raised the possibility of bowel perforation. Computed tomography images revealed diffuse small bowel diverticulosis and pneumoperitoneum. Subsequent explorative laparotomy revealed no bowel perforation. Small bowel diverticulosis is a well-known cause of chronic/recurrent pneumoperitoneum without peritonitis or surgery.

Keywords

• jejunal diverticulosis
• pneumoperitoneum without peritonitis
• small bowel diverticulosis